Local Branch of International Company Donates $10,000 to ECU Chemistry Department

On Thursday, Aug. 9, East Carolina University’s Department of Chemistry received a generous $10,000 gift from the local branch of an international chemical company. Fuji Silysia Chemical Ltd., in Greenville, donated the funds that will be used to support special projects ongoing within the department.

“These projects support our mission of providing the highest quality educational and research experiences to our undergraduate and graduate students possible,” said Chairman of the Department of Chemistry Dr. Rickey Hicks.

Along with the financial backing provided by Fuji Silysia Chemical, the company also is supporting a master’s-level chemical scientist, Mr. Takafumi Urushibara, who will serve as visiting scholar in the chemistry department for two years.

“This is our way of building our relationship with East Carolina University, and a way that we give back to the community,” said Wanda S. Williams, human resources manager for Fuji Silysia Chemical. “ Fuji Silysia Chemical supports the advancement of technology of our local chemistry department. We are hoping, in our own small way, that this will help give back to our community as our community has helped us.”

Fuji Silysia Chemical Ltd. is an international company established in 1965, which produces synthetic silica products used in various industries ranging from plastics and coatings to cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. The corporate headquarters are located in Japan, with additional offices in Italy, Switzerland and North Carolina.

At the Greenville location, the company makes silica gel, which is often used as a desiccant in food packaging. Silica gel has excellent adsorptive capacities and keeps materials dry, preventing damage to food, artwork and other packaged products.

Additional information about Fuji Silysia Chemical Ltd. may be found online at http://www.fujisilysia.com. For more information about the ECU Department of Chemistry, contact Hicks at 252-328-9700 or hicksr@ecu.edu.